MONTPELIER -- Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed a law protecting the identities of whistleblowers, those who step forward to report suspected violations of law, waste, fraud or abuse of authority by public officials or employees.

The legislation was proposed by State Auditor of Accounts Doug Hoffer, who expressed concern that under current law he could be legally compelled to disclose the identities of whistleblowers if requested. The bill allows those names to be kept secret.

Vermont State Employees Association spokesman Doug Gibson says the union is pleased with the new law.

The union has been critical recently of the administration's response to whistleblowers, saying employees have seen retaliation by managers when they try to raise issues in the workplace.